Apple releases public betas for iOS 27 and watchOS 27 with Siri AI

Apple has released public betas for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, featuring the delayed Siri AI revamp. Early testers report a more consistent assistant experience across devices.

This article was drafted with AI assistance from multiple sources and was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.

Apple has made public betas available for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, the company announced on July 13, 2026. The updates are expected to launch officially this fall, with the centerpiece being Siri AI, a delayed AI-powered overhaul of the voice assistant.

According to Apple, the public betas allow users to try Siri AI before the wider release. Early hands-on reports indicate that the assistant works well but keeps interactions brief. Potential beta testers are warned about possible glitches and reduced battery life, and Apple recommends backing up devices before installation.

For the Apple Watch, watchOS 27 brings Siri AI to the wrist, aiming to create a consistent experience across devices. David Clark, Apple's senior director of software engineering for watchOS, stated that the goal is to ensure users get the same answer whether they ask Siri on their phone or watch. The watchOS 27 developer beta has been tested, with improvements in query consistency compared to rival platforms like Google's Gemini on smartwatches.

Siri AI on the watch can reference notes and reminder lists, and queries made on the wrist are stored in the same app as on the phone. However, the assistant is upfront about its limitations and may suggest alternatives for unsupported prompts. Latency and the need for specific wording remain challenges.

Also in watchOS 27, the Workout Buddy feature receives upgrades, offering deeper insights based on trends and now supporting Spanish. The update introduces a new App launcher for frequently used apps and a single tap gesture for selecting items, complementing existing gestures like pinch and wrist flick.

To join the iOS 27 public beta, users can sign up on Apple's website and then enable beta updates in the Settings app under General > Software Update. Similar steps apply for other Apple devices.